Fig. 1: View of the under-spring mounted axle assembly
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Raise and support the vehicle safely.
Matchmark and disconnect the driveshaft at the axle.
Remove the wheels and brake drums.
Disengage the brake line from the clips that retain the line to the housing.
Disconnect the vent tube from the housing.
Remove the axle shafts.
Remove the brake backing plate from the housing and support them with wire.
Do not disconnect the brake line.
If the rear lower shock absorber mounts are integral to the axle housing,
disconnect each shock from the mounting bracket.
Lower the axle slightly to reduce some of the spring tension. At each rear
spring, remove the spring clip (U-bolt) nuts, spring clips and spring seat
caps.
If the axle housing is mounted on top of the springs, proceed as follows:
Slide the axle housing to the right-side and lower the left-side axle
tube end until it clears the leaf spring.
Slide the axle housing to the left-side until the right-side axle tube
end will clear the leaf spring.
Lower the axle housing and remove it from under the vehicle.
To install:
Position the axle housing to the rear springs. Install the spring clips
(U-bolts), spring seat clamps and nuts. Tighten the spring clamps evenly to
115 ft. lbs.
If a new axle housing is being installed, remove the bolts that attach the
brake backing plate and bearing retainer from the old housing flanges. Position
the bolts in the new housing flanges to hold the brake backing plates in position.
Torque the bolts to 40 ft. lbs.
Install the axle shafts.
Connect the vent tube to the housing.
Position the brake line to the housing and secure it with the retaining
clips.
Raise the axle housing and springs enough to allow connecting the rear shock
absorbers to the mounting bracket studs on the housing. Torque the nuts to
60 ft. lbs.
Connect the driveshaft to the axle. Torque the nuts to 8–15 ft. lbs.
